Brad Kinsela is enjoying his independence and freedom for the first time in 30 years after receiving his Batec, an electric attachable handbike/power assistance for wheelchairs, thanks to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding.

The 52-year-old from West End uses his new device to get around his local neighbourhood, visit restaurants in South Bank, go on bike rides with his wife and to travel to work in the city. “It was the first time in 30 years that I had been out in the community, by myself, without any fears about going up a hill or getting stuck anywhere and I was just free,” Brad said. “The next weekend, I went out to breakfast with my wife, and it was the first time in 20 years of marriage that she walked beside me rather than behind me.”

“The NDIS has given me the freedom to literally have a good crew of personal support workers come into my life; it has changed our lives,” Brad said. When Brad isn’t getting out and about in the community, he works as an Executive Director with the Queensland Government.

Given Brad’s knowledge of the foundation principles of the NDIS, when Brad began the process of accessing the Scheme himself, he knew exactly what goals he wanted to pursue using his NDIS plan. Brad received assistance to apply for and implement his NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Brisbane region.

Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started with the NDIS. If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

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